LEDA’s December 18 Meeting, Westwin, Firehawk, and the Issues Carrying Into 2026
LAWTON, OK — The December 28 edition of Sunday Evening Crier serves as a year-end context episode, focused on the December 18, 2025 Lawton Economic Development Authority (LEDA) meeting and the interconnected decisions that will shape Lawton’s direction in 2026.
Rather than treating the meeting as a standalone event, this episode places it within a broader framework — linking economic development, public accountability, legal exposure, budget pressure, court policy, and governance changes that unfolded throughout 2025.
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Why the December 18 LEDA Meeting Matters
The December 18 LEDA meeting was not routine. It included formal actions related to Westwin Elements, Firehawk Aerospace, and long-term Tax Increment Financing (TIF) obligations tied to Republic Paperboard.
These items involve public land, contracts, incentives, and taxpayer-backed commitments — and they intersect directly with decisions being made by City Council.
Lawton Town Crier posted the full meeting in its entirety to ensure public access to the record. This episode explains why that meeting matters.
Westwin Elements: Phase Two Ends Under the Current Agreement
A central item at the meeting involved Westwin Elements.
LEDA approved a joint resolution acknowledging written notice from Westwin that it is not proceeding with Phase Two of the amended redevelopment agreement — the full-scale commercial refinery — under the current terms.
Key points clarified during the meeting:
- Phase One, the demonstration facility in Lawton, remains active
- Phase One obligations remain in effect through June 1, 2026
- The action formally ends public-entity obligations tied to Phase Two
- Future negotiations are not foreclosed if circumstances change
Open Records: Westwin, LEDA, and the City
Following the meeting, Lawton Town Crier filed an Oklahoma Open Records Act request seeking communications between Westwin Elements, LEDA, and the City of Lawton.
The City indicated approximately 1,700 emails could be responsive. To move the process forward responsibly, the request was narrowed to focus on decision-making correspondence tied to incentives, agreements, and project status.
That request remains active. Records will be reported on once released.
Firehawk Aerospace: When TIF Becomes Commitment
The same meeting also advanced the Firehawk Aerospace project in tangible ways.
LEDA approved:
- A Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) agreement
- A pre-construction fee and capped compensation structure
- A term sheet for land acquisition paid through TIF increment revenues
This portion of the meeting illustrated how projects move from concept to contractual obligation — and why LEDA decisions carry long-term financial impact.
LEDA Fraud Investigation: Still Ongoing
The episode revisits the fraudulent wire transfer involving public funds tied to LEDA that surfaced earlier this year.
City officials have confirmed:
- The amount involved was $224,840
- The investigation includes LPD, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service
- Policy changes were implemented following the incident
When asked directly, City Manager John Ratliff has consistently stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional details cannot yet be shared publicly.
A $4 Million Reminder: Civil Liability Still Matters
One of the most consequential City Council votes of 2025 was the approval of a $4 million settlement in a federal civil rights case.
The settlement was approved immediately after executive session, with no public discussion before or after the vote.
Such settlements affect:
- City budgeting
- Insurance exposure
- Risk management
- Public trust
They do not occur in isolation — and they matter.
Courts, Fines, and the Cost of Justice
The episode also revisits City Council discussion regarding:
- Rising police and fire training costs
- A $10 municipal court fee capped by state law
- Whether Lawton should pursue court of record status
Currently, only Oklahoma City and Tulsa operate municipal courts of record. Lawton has made no decision, but the implications for transparency, appeals, and administrative cost are significant.
Budget Pressure, FISTA, and Priorities
Budget discussions continued throughout 2025, including issues tied to FISTA, capital projects, and long-term infrastructure commitments.
Budgets determine which priorities become action — and which remain plans.
Public Comment, Process, and Transparency
City Council also modified its meeting structure this year, moving public comment to after executive session.
Some residents opposed the change; the City’s position has been that extended public comment can detract from city business.
Regardless of viewpoint, process matters — and meeting structure directly affects public participation.
Charter Changes and a New Council in 2026
Voters approved charter amendments formally adopting the Mayor’s True North framework, which identifies transparency as a guiding principle.
2025 also reshaped the City Council:
- James Lane Hooten (Ward 1) — appointed, must run in 2026
- Taron Epps (Ward 2) — appointed, must run in 2026
- Tiffiney Dimery (Ward 4) — elected, begins service in January
- Kirby Brown (Ward 3) — elected, begins service in January
The council governing Lawton in 2026 will look markedly different than it did at the start of 2025.
The Crier in 2025 — and What’s Ahead
2025 marked the return of the Lawton Town Crier.
This year’s coverage included:
- City Council and LEDA
- Economic development and TIFs
- Public safety and surveillance
- Courts, settlements, and budgets
- Elections, appointments, and charter changes
- Open records and government accountability
The Crier also welcomed a wide range of guests — elected officials, candidates, and community voices — consistently and on the record.
In the coming months, Lawton Town Crier will continue to expand. The old Crier has grown significantly, and work is underway toward the next phase of this outlet.
More to come.
Related Coverage
- $4M Settlement in Civil Rights Case https://lawtontowncrier.com/2025/06/lawton-city-council-approves-4-million-settlement-in-civil-rights-case/
- LEDA Fraud Investigation https://lawtontowncrier.com/2025/07/cyber-shadows-lawton-faces-another-digital-blow-as-leda-fraud-surfaces/
- Flock Cameras in Lawton https://lawtontowncrier.com/2025/11/flock-cameras-in-lawton-what-records-show-so-far/
- Public Comment Moved to End of Meetings https://lawtontowncrier.com/2025/09/lawton-city-council-moves-public-comment-to-end-of-meetings-amid-debate-on-transparency/
As always — we’ll see you at City Hall.